and even offered a great treasure to fight, but still refuses, even for personal wealth. Achilles even sends his best friend, Patroclus, into war for him, allowing Patroclus to wear his armor. This is one attempt of Achilles to avoid fighting and results in Patroclus death. Eventually, after being consulted by a goddess and deciding to avenge Patroclus death, Achilles decides to fight because he knows the Greeks will be defeated without him. At this moment Achilles becomes a great leader. Knowing that he is the only warrior that can defeat Hector, he chases the warrior until Hector turns to fight and then slays Hector. Achilles ends up saving the Trojans from defeat in their greatest moment of need, when all hope was lost. Therefore, Achilles is yet another hero that waits until the moment of distress to show his leadership.Each character in these four novels seems to follow the same pattern of leadership. They become heroes only when they are absolutely needed and all hope is lost. Achilles waits until defeat seems inevitable to bring his power into the war, but once he does, he becomes a great leader. Another character who follows this pattern is Alberto. Alberto had always been more of a follower than a leader until the death of his friend, the Slave. Alberto then takes control by refusing to stay quiet about the murder. He stands up to the violent leader of the cadets and accuses him of the murder. Alberto then becomes the cadets new leader after the rest of the cadets shun the Jaguar. Wil, one hero of The Elfstones of Shannara, is a leader is several ways. Not only is he the sole protector of Amberle, he also leads her though a strange country to complete her mission and save the Elves. He then overcomes the fear that is stopping his use of the elfstones, overcomes the obstacle, and wields the power of the magical stones. Henry V is also a hero who becomes a great leader in a time of need. Henry guides his troop...
